Night Vision gear, willing to spend.... what should I go for?

fracmeister

Petroleum Engineer
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May 26, 1999
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OK, I can't be "outgadgeted" by any of the other Boy Scout Dads and one has (or claims) his night vision scope to be a "3rd Generation" (?) unit and doesn't just do light amplification. OK, I sort of follow. But what can I get now (without bribing some Russian soldier--- this is not out of the question, but I won't be back there until November) that is "state of the art"....... Thanks for the help and advice on places to buy.
 
For night vision scopes click here

My opinion: If you're not in military/law enforcement/security/poaching, you have basically no need for night vision gear. Sure, the toy factor is high, but that wears off quickly. You're better off with a good flashlight.
 
Originally posted by Ralf
[B(snip)My opinion: If you're not in military/law enforcement/security/poaching, you have basically no need for night vision gear. Sure, the toy factor is high, but that wears off quickly. You're better off with a good flashlight. [/B]

First, thanks for the references. I don't want to argue with you (or give the impression that I am --- I am not!)on this one and I do have some nice flashlights :D

I am a Scoutmaster. I spend a lot of time camping with 12-15 year old boys. I don't always want to light up the night with that Surefire Millenium or my 12ZM. I guess it is the "toy factor" but you are clearly underestimating how high my "toy factor demand" can be under the circumstances. I can own "capture the flag" for my troop. Is that worth 2000$ or more? Probably not, but then again I wish I had spent the money on one of these units last January instead of buying EMC stock.
 
I believe that Cabelas used to carry some of the more sophisticated Gen 3 American made units. About $2600 for the "binocular" model. Haven't used one myself, but have heard they are good.

DPD.
 
I would go for a 3rd generation rifle scope and mount it on a camera brace or redundant Ruger 10/22 stock. I've found the scopes better. Ensure you have someone with you when using one as you lose your natural night vision and can walk into things.

A big boys toy that nobody else would dare have is an Image intensifier, heat intensifier. Anything that generates heat above that of its suroundings glows big time. Little lost boys glow real nice as does the animal life. These are even bigger bucks and more maintenance.

When a new car loses thousands before you even get it home, then don't think of the cost, just enjoy yourself. You only live once :D
 
You can get PVS-7B's or PVS-14's out there if you are willing to pay the price. They are expensive. But, you can get them. Want the latest and greatest? PVS-14 is going to be pretty much it for you... Gen III monocular, with pretty good light amplification and resolution, if you don't mind just looking through one eye. If you prefer to use both, PVS-7B will float your boat and save you some cash.

Stay away from the Russian stuff. There's been stuff posted on it to USENET about how it can actually harm your vision if using it long term, etc. Whether it's true, you got me. Just passing it along.

Kevin
 
I've got an ITT 2nd gen. monocular with a Photon infrared micro light clipped to the wrist strap(about $18 instead of 7-8 times that much for a factory light!); it'll illuminate a football field from one end to the other and side to side! I've never had the chance to use a 3rd gen. but this 2nd is so nice I can't imagine needing anything better! I've seen a 3rd gen. ITT monocular for sale at a local gunshow for $950:eek:! They usually sell new at around $1800.
 
Frac,
If you have the means, I would highly recommend following the advice as offered by Greenjacket, Spark, C4 and others. Bottom line- the quality G3/G2+ image intensifier tubes made by US companies such as ITT and Litton will not only perform significantly better than their less expensive Russian counterparts (or American counterparts for that matter), but you will also experience much longer service life from your tubes. Plus, all of the current products made by these manufacturers feature tubes that are automatically protected from incidental exposure to bright light, something that can serious damage older tubes. Finally, even if you do encounter problems, it's nice to be able to effect warranty repairs here in the US. The downside, obviously, is that you have to pay more.

From there, it's simply a matter of deciding whether you prefer a monocular, binocular or rifle scope. The latter is generally distinguished by offering a moderate amount of magnification (usually 3X or 4X), while the monoculars and binoculars most often provide a non-magnified 1X image. I personally find a moderate amount of magnification to be very useful, but your expected usage will dictate what's best for you.
 
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